A TALENTED dancer who is sharing his fancy footwork has won an award for helping to develop the next generation.

Matthew Wilson, 17, received the Creative Arts honour as part of the government's Year of Young People Celebrations at a glittering ceremony in Greenock Town Hall.

The Inverclyde Academy pupil was recognised for his voluntary work in local primary schools, where he taught dance-based workshops.

Matthew, of Leven Road, said: "I was ecstatic and shocked - I didn't expect it.

"I didn't think my work in the community would have merited an award.

"I was totally surprised."

The teenager has been dancing since he was 10 and specialises in street dance, contemporary and jazz.

He also studies ballet and is hoping to develop his passion into a career, with several auditions lined up for musical theatre courses in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

Matthew said: "I feel 100 per cent myself when I dance, super confident and the adrenaline makes me feel amazing.

"I compete as well and that is the best feeling, having an audience cheering us all."

He taught on a voluntary basis with Dazzles Dance Studio for a year and now works there are a dance teacher.

Matthew has been volunteering at Whinhill, Wemyss Bay and Aileymill primaries.

Business management teacher Myra Nellany nominated Matthew for the award.

She said: "Matthew has been dancing in various school events since he was in first year and is mesmerising to watch.

"I only started teaching him in sixth year and I was aware he was doing workshops at our cluster primary schools.

"We've had great feedback from the head teachers who say that he is a lovely boy, very generous of his nature and time.

"We have heard that he is lovely with the children and staff and has a mature attitude.

"We had also had feedback that because of him pupils want to take up dance, so he is inspiring people to get involved.

"I know he has also been successful in competitions and is very focused on his passion so it was a no-brainer to nominate him.

"He is a great ambassador for Inverclyde."

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Pictured with Myra Nellany